Window buck and method of assembly

ABSTRACT

A window buck is formed of side walls that are extruded from vinyl. The side walls have interior channels. The side walls may be formed to effect a female-male connection between the ends of two adjoining side walls. Alternatively a locking member is provided that is sized to frictionally engage a selected channel. The edges of the side members are shaped for abutment to each other with a connector in the channels to hold the window buck together. The window buck thereafter may be placed before the cement wall is formed and is sized to receive a window frame. The window buck may be formed into selected geometric shapes. Window bucks of different dimensions may be assembled by selected sides of different dimensions from bins or pallets of presized side members.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.60/026,439 filed Sep. 20, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to window bucks used for forming a windowopening in a wall such as a poured concrete wall.

2. State of the Art

When constructing a building, it is frequently desirable to position awindow in a wall such as a poured concrete wall. Procedures for formingan opening have included manufacturing an oversized window form andpositioning it within a pair of forms used for forming a concrete wall.Typically, the window form is positioned between the pair of forms afterwhich the concrete is poured into the form and about the window form.Therefore, the opening is defined in the wall when the concrete hardensor cures. Thereafter, the window form has been removed and replaced withstructure that is used to size the opening and to provide structure forreceiving and attaching the window unit itself.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,831 discloses a window buck formed of a series ofsides or channels joined together with nails in an end-to-endrelationship to define a rectangular opening. The window buck is awindow form which is assembled and positioned so that concrete may bepoured around it. U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,624 (Jones) also shows a windowbuck which is provided for forming a window opening in a cast concretewall. The buck is removable after the concrete wall is formed in orderto proceed with further installation of a window.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,544 (Stanfill et al.) also describes a buck for usein construction. The buck has internal bracing so that it does notdeform or change dimension when the concrete wall is poured about it.

In order to facilitate construction, it would be desirable to have abuck which can be easily assembled on site and which thereafter can beinstalled and remain in place. The buck would preferably be one that iseasily sized and shaped and also which is formed to receive a finishedwindow after the concrete wall has been poured.

SUMMARY

A window buck for forming a window frame opening in a wall includes sidemember means assembled to define a window frame opening. The side membermeans is formed to have a perimeter and a width. The width issubstantially the width of the wall into which the window buck is to beplaced. Internal channels are formed side by side in the side membermeans and extend along the perimeter between the opposite ends of theside member means.

A connector means for holding at least two ends in abutment with eachother is provided. In one embodiment the connector means has a lockingmember with a first member sized and shaped for insertion into aselected one of the plurality of channels in one of the two ends. Thelocking member has a second member sized and shaped for frictionalinsertion into and engagement with a corresponding selected one of theplurality of channels. Both the first member and the second member ofthe locking member have friction means to frictionally engage theselected channel in one end and the corresponding channel in the otherend of the side member means.

Desirably the side member means includes a plurality of separate sidemembers each having two ends. Each of the ends is configured forconnection to an end of another side member. The connector meansincludes a plurality of locking members for joining the ends of each ofthe separate sides in an abutting relationship to define the perimeterof a window buck with multiple side members.

In an alternative configuration, the side member means is formed todefine a circular perimeter. In yet another arrangement, four separateside members of the side member means are assembled to define arectilinearly shaped window buck.

In an alternate and preferred embodiment, the side member means includea first end and a second end. The connector means are formed in thefirst end and the second end of adjoining side members for mechanicallyconnecting the first end of one side member to the second end of anotherside member. Preferably the connector means includes male structureformed proximate one of the first end or the second end of the firstside member configured to interconnect to female structure formedproximate one of the first end or second end of a second side member.

Preferably the male female structure is slot structure and the femalemale structure is tongue structure extending outwardly and sized tosnugly fit into the slot. Each side member desirably has an internalsurface that has a width. The slot is formed in the internal surfacetransverse to the side member or to extend between the inner surface andouter surface of the wall in which the window buck is to be placed. Eachside member may have a plurality of channels. Each of the channels hasmultiple walls one of which is the internal surface. Preferably, thetongue structure is formed from one of the walls of one or more channelsby removing other material of the channels.

In preferred configurations, the side members may have an internalflange positioned to extend along the internal surface of the wall andan external flange to extend along the external surface of the wall. Theexternal flange may extend a distance so that fasteners may bepositioned therethrough to position the window buck at a desiredlocation in the cement forms before the wall is poured or formed.

Methods of forming a window opening in a cement wall and methods offorming a window buck involve forming a window buck and positioning thewindow as part of the wall forming process. In preferred methods, aplurality of first side members have slots formed at one end to connectwith tongues formed in the second end of second side members. Thetongues formed in the first ends of the second side members connect toslots formed in the second ends of the first side members. Window bucksof different dimensions may preferably and alternatively be formed fromstock piles of first side members, second side members and third sidemembers. Cross braces may also be provided to support a window buckduring formation of the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate what are presently regarded to be thebest modes of carrying out the invention,

FIG. 1 is a window buck of the present invention with a proposed windowframe for insertion therein depicted in phantom;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a side member for use with the window buckof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of an alternative side member for use with thewindow buck of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locking member for use in connectingside member means of a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, partial side view of separate side members of theside member means of a window buck of the present invention with alocking member positioned for interconnecting the illustrated separateside members;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a circular shaped window buck of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a locking member for use with a window buck of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a female side member of analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a male side member of analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial front view of an assembled female side member andmale side member of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of an alternative male member of analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of alternative tongues of a male memberof the alternative embodiment of FIG. 9 of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an alternative configuration ofa female side member of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is perspective view of side members suitable for use in forminga window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the side members of FIG. 14 positionedfor assembly into a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the side members of FIG. 14 assembledinto a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a simplified illustration of a saw used in the formation ofside members used with window bucks of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a simplified perspective illustration depicting the steps forassembling a window buck of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective illustration of a window buck of the presentinvention with cross braces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1, one embodiment of a window buck 10 has side member meanswhich may include one (FIG. 6) or a plurality of side members. In FIG.1, the window buck 10 is rectilinear in projection with a left sidemember 12, top side member 14, bottom side member 16 and a right sidemember 18. A window 20 is shown in phantom sized for positioning withinthe window buck 10 after construction of a wall as more fully discussedhereinafter. The window 20 as shown has a left window pane unit 22 and aright window pane unit 24, both of which slide in a track 21 attached tothe frame 26.

The left side member 12, the top side member 14, the bottom side member16 and the right side member 18 are each formed to have a length 28 anda width 30. The length 28 and width 30 is selected to define a windowopening of the desired size and configuration and more particularly of aheight 29 and a width 31 that is for a standard sized or commerciallyavailable window 20. The width 30 is selected to be substantially thewidth of the wall into which the window buck 10 is to be placed. Thatis, the width 30 is selected so that the internal flanges 12A, 14A, 16Aand 18A are exposed and extend along the inner surface 137 of the wall136 (FIG. 3). Similarly, external flanges 12B, 14B, 16B and 18B areexposed and extend along the outer surface 135 of wall 136.

The left side member 12, the top side member 14, the bottom side member16 and the left side member 18 are each formed preferably of a vinylmaterial that is extruded. However, they may be formed from othermaterials including aluminum, aluminum alloys, and other plastics. Thepreferred material is low cost and resistant to corrosion while havingsufficient structural strength to support, for example, the cement whenthe wall is formed.

FIG. 2 shows a side member 32 which has a top wall 34 and a bottom wall36. It also has a first outside wall 38 and a second outside wall 40.The top wall 34 defines an interior surface 42 of the window buck and,in turn, provides a surface that faces toward the interior of the buckwhich is the opening 19 defined by the buck and the window (e.g., window20) installed therein. The inwardly facing surface 16C of the bottomside member 16 acts as a window sill.

Between the top wall 34 and the bottom wall 36 is a plurality ofchannels 44, 46, 48 and 50. Each of the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50 issized and shaped to be substantially the same in height 52 and width 54.Separating walls 56, 58, 60 and 64 are formed in-between the top wall 34and the bottom wall 36 to define the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50 and tostrengthen the side member 32 so that it is structurally strong and hassufficient rigidity to maintain dimensional integrity when in use. Thatis, each channel 44, 46, 48 and 50 has a plurality of sidewalls each ofwhich is preferably rectangular in projection with four sidewalls suchas sidewalls 56 and 58 as well as sidewalls 55 and 57 which are part ofthe interior surface 42 and the bottom wall 36.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the top wall 34 steps down to a ledge 62defined by the separating wall 64 and a ledge wall 66 as well as thesecond outside wall 40. The ledge 62, second outside wall 40 and ledgewall 66 as well as the bottom wall 36 together define a smaller channel68 as shown.

The frame 26 of the window 20 is sized so it can be slid into positionon the ledge 62 and for abutment against the separating wall 64 to, inturn, provide for installation of the window 20 within the window buck10 defined by the left side member 12, the top side member 14, thebottom side member 16 and the right side member 18. It may be noted thatthe ledge 62 is spaced a distance 70 below the top wall 34. The distance70 is selected to provide for some dimensional variations in the windowframe 26 while still providing an appropriately sufficient amount ofsurface of the separating wall 64 to facilitate installation usingscrews, nails, glue or the like. The distance 70 is also preferablyselected to be less than the height 67 of the lower element 69 of theframe 26. The ledge 62 has a width 63 that is preferably at least thewidth 65 of the separate members of the frame 26 such as members 69 and71.

In FIG. 2 it can also be seen that the side member 32 has a lowerportion 72 of the first outside wall 38 which functions as an outsideflange and which extends below the bottom wall 36 a distance 74, whichis comparable to the height 52 of the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50. Thedistance 74 may vary as desired by the user to provide for sufficientconnection to the cement wall 76 when the concrete (or the like) used toform the wall 76 dries after being poured. That is, the distance 74 ofthe portion 72 is selected to provide for a rigid attachment to thecement wall 76. It is also selected so that fasteners such as nail 77may be used to secure the window buck to a fiberglass external cementform 79 used to define, with internal cement form 81, a cavity or voidinto which cement is poured to form the wall 76. The finger 78associated with the lower portion 72 of the first outside wall 38 andthe finger 80 associated with lower portion 82 of the second outsidewall 40 extend inwardly in order to rigidly secure the side member 32and, more particularly, the window buck 10 in place after the concretehardens or solidifies to form wall 76.

It may be noted that side member 32 may be formed of an extruded vinylmaterial. When extruded, it may have rounded corners such as the leftcorner 84 and the right corner 86. The rounding of corners is notnecessary. They may be formed in any manner desired to facilitateassembly and construction and an appearance desired by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative side member 90 is illustrated incross-section. The side member 90 has a top wall 92 and a bottom wall94. It also has a left wall 96 and a right wall 98. In the space betweenthe left wall 96 and the right wall 98 is a plurality of channels 100,102, 104 and 106, each sized and shaped to have essentially the sameheight 108 and essentially the same width 110. Each of the channels 100,102, 104 and 106 is separated by a separating wall such as walls 112,114, and 116 as shown. Extending above the top wall 92 is abutmentmember 118. The abutment member 118 has a top wall 120 and opposite sidewalls 122 and 124 positioned to define a channel 126, which may bedimensioned in height 125 and width 127 the same as the height 108 andwidth 110 of the other channels 100, 102, 104 and 106.

The abutment member 118 is positioned spaced a distance 128 from theright wall 98 so that the frame 26 of a window 20 can be received withthe outer wall 130 of the frame 26 being in general alignment with theright wall 98. Similarly, the abutment member 118 is sized to have aheight 132 to provide for dimensional variances in the frame 26 of thewindow 20.

It may also be noted that the right wall 98 has an interior flange orextension 134 which extends below the bottom wall 94 a distance 135selected to provide for secure attachment of the side member 90 to thecement wall 136. It may be noted that the extension 134 also has a beador node 138 formed at its distal end 140 to facilitate secure attachmentof the side member 90 to the cement wall 136. The left wall 96 has asimilar flange or extension 142 sized in length comparable to theextension 134 of the right side wall 98. Even though the extensions 134and 142 are noted to be substantially the same in length, they maydiffer if desired.

FIG. 4 shows a locking member 150 which may be used to interconnectadjoining side members as illustrated in FIG. 5. More specifically, FIG.4 shows a locking member 150 for use in assembling two side members 162and 166 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The locking member 150 is formed tohave a first member or leg 152 and a second member or leg 154 orientedat a right angle to each other. The legs 152 and 154 are sized in height156 and in width 158 to be comparable to the height 52 and width 54 ofthe channels 44, 46, 48 and 50 of the side member 32 of FIG. 2 or theheight 108 and width 110 of channels 100, 102, 104 and 106 of sidemember 90. The legs 152 and 154 are similarly dimensioned in height 108and width 110 so that the legs 152 and 154 may frictionally engage andbe inserted into one selected channel 100, 102, 104 and 106, or aselected one of channels 44, 46, 48 and 50.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the leg 152 has a raised portion 160 whichfrictionally engages the interior surface of the selected one ofchannels 44, 46, 48 and 50, or channels 100, 102, 104 and 106, toprovide for a more rigid, secure connection.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the leg 152 is inserted into a selected channelof the side member 162. The leg 152, with the raised portion 160,frictionally engages the interior of the selected channel 153 along axis155. Similarly, leg 154, with a raised portion 164, frictionally engagesa channel 157 in an adjoining side member 166 along axis 159. The sidemembers 162 and 166 are urged toward each other and into abutment 168and 170 with corresponding abutting edges 172 and 174 formed at an angle173 and 175 selected to provide for abutment. The angle 173 and 175presently preferred is 45°.

Inasmuch as multiple channels are provided in the side member 32 and theside member 90, it can be seen that one or more locking members 150 maybe inserted into two or more of the coaxial side by side channels, suchas channels 44, 46, 48 and 50, or channels 100, 102, 104 and 106, toprovide for a rigid connection between multiple channels of adjoiningside members of a particular window buck.

More specifically, locking members, such as locking member 150, arepositioned in-between to connect, for example, the left side member 12with the top side member 14, and the top side member 14 to the rightside member 18. Similar locking members 150 are used to interconnect thebottom side member 16 with the left side member 12 and the right sidemember 18 at their respective corners.

Obviously, the window buck 10 may be shaped and sized in height 177 andin width 179 (FIG. 1) as desired. That is, height 177 and width 179 maybe selected to receive conventional or preassembled windows such aswindow 20. In selected circumstances, the user may take a length of sidewall and cut it to a desired dimension to form a window of desireddimensions and assemble it using a locking member, such as lockingmember 150 of FIG. 4 or other suitably formed locking members. After theconcrete wall 76 (136) is formed, a window 20 can be constructed andinstalled in any available opening with extensions such as extensions134 and 142 (FIG. 3) frictionally engaging the wall 136. A window buck10 may also be used in wooden, block and brick walls as well as walls ofother materials.

Preferably, the left side member 12, the top side member 14, the bottomside member 16 and the right side member 18 (FIG. 1) may all be precutand assembled in a carton with the necessary locking members 150 so thata user may simply assemble the window buck 10 on site prior toinstallation. Therefore, the window buck 10 may be easily stored beforeuse because it is disassembled, reducing the amount of space necessaryfor shipment and minimizing the amount of damage occurring duringtransportation to and minimizing storage requirements on theconstruction site prior to installation.

FIG. 6 shows a side member 180 which is shaped to be circular inprojection. It has an interior wall 182 with a ledge 184 so that incross-section it is similar to the cross-section shown in FIG. 2. Thelocking member 186, shown in FIG. 7, also is sized and shaped to fitwithin an interior channel formed in the side member 180. The lockingmember 186 has a left raised portion 188 and a right raised portion 190to provide for frictional engagement within the selected channel of theside member 180. As can be seen, the side member 180 has a first end 192configured to abut the other end 194 when assembled with the lockingmember 186 interiorly positioned within a selected channel. A pluralityof locking members 186 may be used if desired with a plurality ofchannels formed within the side member 180.

It should also be recognized that the side members such as left sidemember 12, top side member 14, bottom side member 16 and right sidemember 18 may be cut and assembled into shapes other than therectilinear shape shown in FIG. 1. That is, locking members having anangle 159 other than 90° may be used to develop geometric shapes thatmay be triangular, diamond shaped, octagonal, or some other polygon witha perimeter. That is, the perimeter of the window buck 10 of FIG. 1includes the length 28 and the height 177, as well as height 181 andwidth 183 for a rectilinear window buck 10 and window 20. Alternatively,side members may be formed in half circle sections or other geometricforms and used with curvilinear or straight sections in-between todevelop a substantially elliptical window buck or window buck of anydesired shape.

Although the window buck is herein stated to be formed of an extrudedvinyl, other materials may be used including, in some cases, aluminum ifdesired. However, the preferred material is vinyl or vinyl-type materialor vinyl-like material. Vinyl is preferred because it is strong yet notbrittle. It can be cleaned, does not need to be pointed or preserved andcan be nailed or glued. Also, it can be cut with a saw or similarcutting tool.

It may be also noted that the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50, as well as thechannels 100, 102, 104, 106 as well as channels 68 and 126, may each befilled with an insulation material if desired. Appropriate insulationmaterials include, for example, an expanded polyurethane foam as well asfiberglass materials or any other similar material that would increasethe thermal resistivity to reduce heat loss through the window buckafter construction of the window is complete.

In an alternative and more preferred arrangement, the window buck 10 ofthe invention has at least two side wall members. The sidewall memberseach have a first end and a second end. One of the first ends and one ofthe second ends are formed to connect with the other. One end of theside wall member is a female member 200 shown in perspective in FIG. 8.The female member 200 is formed comparable to the side member 32 of FIG.2 with a substantially similar length 202, height 204 and width 206. Ithas channels 210, 212, 214 and 216 formed in it along with a sideportion 218 and 220 sized to embrace the concrete wall in a mannersimilar to side member 32. The female member 200 also has a ledge 222formed as shown to receive the window after the concrete wall is pouredand hardened.

The female member 200 has a surface 224 facing to the interior of thewindow buck. The surface has three slots 226, 228 and 230 formed in aline as shown. Each slot 226, 228, 230 has a width 232 and a length 234substantially the same and selected to snugly receive correspondingtongues from the male member 240 shown in FIG. 9 as discussedhereinafter. Each slot 226, 228 and 230 extends through the surface 224.The slots 226, 228 and 230 are each spaced a distance 236 selected tocorrespond to the width of channels formed in the male member asdiscussed hereinafter.

The female side member 200 has two ends, which are the same except fortheir orientation. The female side member 200 may come in a length 202larger than needed for a desired window buck and in turn may be cut toform an essentially straight end 238. That is, the end 238 issubstantially planar and presents what could be said to be aneffectively flat surface.

The female side member 200 may be formed with the slots 226, 228 and 230preformed and spaced in a plurality of rows such as rows 237 and 239along the entire length 202 of the female side member. Alternatively,the slots 226, 228 and 230 may be formed on site by cutting using anappropriate tool (e.g. a chisel or drill) or by pressing out fillersthat are formed by making scribe marks during formation of the femaleside member 200 so that upon application of a force (e.g., pressing witha punch or screw driver tip) the filler breaks along the scribed linesto thereby form the desired slots such as slots 226, 228 and 230 orother slots in other rows such as rows 237 and 239. The scribed linesshown by dotted line for the slots of rows 237 and 239 such as slot 235are weakened portions of the surface so that application of pressurecauses the filler such as filler 233 to easily separate and cause thedesired slot to appear.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a side member has one end formed to connect toone other end of an adjoining member. The side member is a male sidemember 240 shown in partial perspective with a length 242, height 244and width 246 comparable to member 32 of FIG. 2. It is formed withchannels 248, 250, 252 and 254 comparable to the channels formed in theside member 32 of FIG. 2. The male side member 240 also has sideportions 256 and 258 to embrace the concrete wall when it is formed.

The male side member 240 also has three tongues 260, 262 and 264extending upwardly from and along the interior surface 266. The tongues260, 262 and 264 are each substantially the same in dimension and have alength 268 and a width 270 selected to snugly register with thecorresponding slots 226, 228 and 230 of the female side member 200. Thetongues 260, 262 and 264 are sized in height 272 to extend into therespective channels 210, 212 and 214 of the female member and to eithercontact the interior surface 276 of those channels or be short of it.That is, the channels 210, 212 and 214 have a depth 278; and the height272 of the tongues is the same as the depth 278 or slightly less so theend 280 of the male member can snugly abut the surface 224 of the femalemember. That is, the end 280 of the male side member 240 is planar orflat in section and therefore can snugly abut the interior facingsurface 224 of the female side member 200 when the male side member 240and the female side member 200 are assembled.

As shown in FIG. 10, the female side member 200 and the male side member240 are joined at their ends. The tongues 260, 262 and 264 together withthe corresponding slots 226, 228 and 230 constitute connection means forattaching one end of the female side member 200 to one end of the maleside member 240. More specifically, the tongues 260, 262 and 264 areinserted into the slots 226, 228 and 230. The tongues 260, 262 and 264are urged into the slots 226, 228 and 230 until the surface 280 abutsthe surface 224. The sides of the channels 248, 250 and 252 all abut thesurface 224 and function as part of the connection means to mechanicallylimit angular rotation and twisting of the female side member 200relative to the male side member 240 and vice versa.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the male side member 240 also has aledge 282 which can be said to be defined and formed by the channelmember 254 and the side wall of the channel 252. In order to have asmooth corner in the window buck formed of two male side members and twofemale side members, the channel 254 is cut to extend a height 284 whichis selected to abut the side surface 286 of the ledge 222 and in turnform a clean and snug corner.

In order to form the tongues such as tongues 260, 262 and 264, the maleside member may be cut on site to create them. Alternatively they may beformed by removing filler pieces 288 and 290 and separating them fromassociated structure such as the side portion 256 and the side surface292 along scribes or perforations indicated by dotted lines.

Although reference has been made to a male member having both endsformed as shown in FIG. 9 and a female member with both of its endsformed as shown in FIG. 8, it may be understood that a side member maybe so arranged or may have one female end and one male end.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, a tongue 300 may be preformed in the channelsand may be simply rotated 302 from the channel in the side member 304.The tongue 300 is formed to be tapered in width. It has a smaller width301 near the top in relation to the width 303 near the bottom. The width303 is selected to form a snug friction fit with a corresponding slot ina female member.

As depicted in FIG. 12, a tongue can be formed in a variety of shapesincluding triangular, rounded 308 or to be two spaced apart fingers orpins 310 and 312. The spaced apart fingers or pins 310 and 312 arespaced apart a distance so that the pins may snugly fit into onecorresponding slot in the female side member.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative female side member 320 isshown. It is comparable to the female side member of FIG. 8 but for theslots 322, 324 and 326 which are all oriented lengthwise or along thelength of the female side member. Of course the orientation of thetongues of the male members would necessarily need to be reconfigured toregister with the slots 323, 324 and 326.

In FIGS. 14-16, four side members 350, 352, 354 and 356 are shown. Eachside member such as side member 350 has a plurality of side-by-sidechannels such as channels 358, 359, 360,361 and 362 for side members350. The channels 358-362 are similar to those described in more detailin FIGS. 2, 3, 8 and 9. Each side member such as side member 350 alsohas an exterior flange 364 and an interior flange 366 comparable to theflanges or extensions 72 and 82 in FIG. 2, extensions 134 and 132 inFIG. 3 and extensions 220 and 238 shown in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 14, it can be seen that side members 350 and 352 are virtuallyidentical and are oriented and differ only in that they each have aninterior surface 368 and 370 which are facing each other. As best seenwith respect to the side member 352, first end 372 and the second end374 are both formed to be substantially the same. That is, each are hereshown to have connecting means which is female structure 376 and 378configured to connect with male structure 380 and 382 positioned at thefirst end 384 and the second end 386 of side member 354 or malestructure 388 and 390 associated with the first end 392 and the secondend 394 of the side member 356. The female structure is associated withboth ends 396 and 398 of the side member 350. However, the femalestructure of the side member 350 cannot readily been seen because of theorientation of the side member 350 in the illustration of FIG. 14.

The female structure 376 and 378 shown for the side member 352 includesa first groove 400 and a second groove 402. Similarly, the other femalestructure 378 contains a first groove 404 and a second groove 406. Thegrooves 400, 402, 404 and 406 each extend the complete width 408 of theinterior surface 370 of the side member 352. That is, they extend fromthe edge 410 to the edge 412.

In practice, the groove 400, 402, 404 and 406 are formed as seen in FIG.17. That is, a saw blade 414 is shown positioned to cut a groove in theinterior surface 370. The associated drive mechanism for operating thesaw blade in a conventional manner is not illustrated for purposes ofsimplicity. Any convenient table saw or radial arm saw will be suitablefor achieving the purposes as hereinafter described. Mechanisms otherthan saws may be used including grinding wheels and friction discs tocreate a groove in a vinyl material or other material used to fabricatethe side members 350, 352, 354 and 356.

In FIG. 17, the saw blade 414 is shown cutting a groove which is of aselected depth 416. The depth 416 is selected to be more than thethickness 417 of the interior surface 370 of the member 352. Thus thegroove 400 as well as other grooves 402, 404 and 406 can all be formedso that individual slots are defined by the channel walls 418, 419, 420,421 and 422 to provide access to the interior of each of the pluralityof channels such as channels 423-426. The groove, such is grooves 400,402, 404 and 406, is formed by moving the side member 352 on a saw tabletop 427 as the saw blade 414 rotates to make the cut.

It can be seen that a saw can be devised in which two or four blades areoperating so two or four grooves 400, 402, 404 and 406 can be formedsimultaneously with one movement of the side member 352.

The grooves such as groove 400 and 402 are spaced apart a distance 401which is the same as the distance 428 which in effect the height 432 ofeach of the channels of each of the side members such as channels423-426 in side member 352.

In reference to the side members 354 and 356, it can be seen that eachhas tongue structure which is a plurality of tabs or tongues 434, 435,436, 437, 438, 439, 440 and 441. The tabs 434-441 are formed by using asaw blade such as saw blade 414 and cutting grooves which coincide withthe interior sidewalls such as interior side walls 444, 445 and 446shown for the channels 358-362 for side member 350. More specifically,the tongues 434-441 are formed by making cuts which remove the interiorsidewalls such as sidewall 444-446 as well as the sidewalls 447 and 448down a distance selected to form tongues 434-441. The saw blade createsa slot or groove such as slot 450, 451 and 452. The slots 450-452 have awidth 454 which is defined by the width of the saw blade 414 which alsocoincides with and is slightly more than the width 456 of the interiorsidewall 444-446 as well as sidewalls 448 and 447.

The tongues 434-441 each are cut to a depth 458 which is less than thedepth 460 of each of the channels such as channels 358-361.

As seen in FIG. 15, the side member 350 is oriented with its slots inthe first end 396 (not shown) to register with the male structure 388and more particularly the plurality of spaced-apart tongues 462 formedin the first end 392 of the member 356. Similarly the slots not shown inthe second end 398 of the side member 350 register with plurality oftongues 437-441 formed in the first end 384 of the side member 354.Similarly, the plurality of tongues 466 in the second end 394 of theside member 356 are positioned to register with the slots 400 and 402 atthe first end 372 of side member 352. It may also be noted that the slot453 (FIG. 14) creates an extension 468 so that a snug fit of theextension 468 is effected in the window receiving groove 472 as betterseen in FIG. 16. A similar extension 469 is formed at the first end 390of side member 356. Similar extensions 467 and 465 are formed in sidemember 354 as illustrated

In FIG. 15, the second end 374 of the side member 354 has male structure382 in the form of tongue structure 474 that registers with the grooves404 and 406. The male structure 382 of the first end 384 registers withthe female structure (not shown) in the first end 396 of the side member350.

Since the saw blade 414 is selected to have substantially the same widthas the thickness of the interior surface 370 of a side member and theinterior sidewalls such as sidewalls 444-446 of the channels 358-361, itcan be understood that a snug fit is effected between the tongues suchas tongues 434-441 and the corresponding slots such as slots 400, 402,404 and 406.

In some instances, a user may add a glue such as an epoxy resin or othersimilar material in order to enhance or strengthen the connection ifdesired.

As can be seen in FIG. 16, the side members 350, 352, 354 and 356 areassembled to form a rectangular-shaped window buck. It can be seen thatthe exterior flanges 364, 476, 477 and 478 are shown with a plurality ofdots 480 to illustrate scribes or apertures through which screws ornails may be inserted to secure the window buck shown in FIG. 16 to thewall of an associated form or one of a pair of forms used to define acement wall. Nails such as a nail 482 may be driven through one or moreof the apertures 480 or through the flanges 364, 476, 477 and 478 at anydesired location. The window buck, though particularly useful andsuitable for use with cement walls may also be used in wooden wallconstruction in selected, desired applications.

To install a window buck such as that shown in FIG. 16, the cement formssuch as forms 79 and 81 in FIG. 2 are first provided. Preferably oneform, such as form 79, is installed and positioned. The window buck suchas that shown in FIG. 16 is positioned on the wall at a desired locationand secured in place by nails such as nails 482. Alternately, otherfasteners including glues or anything else to maintain a securerelationship may be employed. Alternately, the buck may be supported bya rebar structure positioned under it.

The other portion of the cement form 81 is then positioned in place andsecured. Thereupon cement is poured into the form to define and createthe cement wall. The cement is poured around and then over the windowbuck. Once the cement cures or dries, the form such as forms 79 and 81are removed leaving an erect wall with a window buck defining a windowopening. Thereupon a window such as window 20 may be inserted into thewindow groove 472 (FIG. 16).

It may be also noted that the use of two sets of tongues 434-437 and438-441 to associate with corresponding grooves such as grooves 400 and402 effect a more stable, rigid relationship to facilitate installation.That is, one side such as side member 356 could be associated andconnected with side member 352. The double slot and double groovearrangement provide for more stable connections so that the assemblyremains freestanding while the user continues to assemble the othersides such as side 350 and 354.

It may be noted with particularity that the window buck of FIG. 16 isformed using two identical members 350 and 352 which have femalestructure such as female structure 376 and 378 formed at their oppositeends. Similarly the other side members 354 and 356 are identical andhave corresponding male structure 380 and 382 as well as 388 and 390formed at their respective opposite ends.

In operation, a user may find it convenient to collect side members ofdifferent sizes in a single collection. That is, a collection of sidemembers such as side member 354 of a particular size may be stored nextto a collection of side members such as side members 350 and 352. Nextto that, another series of side members having height or length 480 thatdiffers from the height or length of members 350, 352, 354 and 356 maybe provided. Similarly, additional side members having other lengths orheights 482 (FIG. 14) may be provided in yet another adjoining storagelocation.

Thus, a user may be able to quickly assemble window bucks of differentdimensions by simply collecting a pair of side members having femalestructure and a pair of side members having male structure. Window bucksof different sizes may be quickly and easily assembled by simplyassembling the desired side members to effect assembly of a window buckshaving different desired heights and widths.

By way of example, one could assume that one desired window buck wouldhave a height 500 of two feet and a width 502 of two feet. Anotherwindow buck would have a height 500 of two feet and a width 502 of threefeet.

It can also be seen that side members which may be regarded as femaleside members such as side member 350 and 352 may be separately collected(e.g., on a pallet or in a bin) having a width 502 of two feet. Anothergroup of side members similar in shape and form to those 350 and 352having a width of three feet may be separately assembled in an adjoiningor nearby location. Further, a number of side members such as sidemembers 354 and 356 having a height of two feet may be in another nearbylocation. Thus, to assemble a window buck having a height of two feetand a width of two feet, one need only assemble two female membershaving a width 502 of two feet and two male members having a height 500of two feet in order to have a window buck that is two feet by two feet.

To have a window buck that is two feet by three feet, the user needassembly only two side members of two foot height and two female memberssuch as members 350 and 352 having a width of three feet. Similarly, ifa user desired a window having, for example, a width 502 of three feetand a height 500 of three feet, a user could then go to a separatenearby location to acquire two side members such as side members 354 and356 having a height of three feet combining the side members that arethree feet in height with the side members are three feet in width 502produces a three foot by three foot window buck.

The above-referenced dimensions are purely theoretical and are notintended to in fact reflect what the standardized size may be for givenstandardized windows. However, the sizes do illustrate the fact thatdifferent sizes of different window bucks may be assembled by simplyassembling side members having the desired widths and heights to definethe desired window openings. In turn, the number of overall side membersthat need to be inventoried can be reduced or controlled not only by themanufacturer, but also by the distributor as well as by the customer.

Turning now to FIG. 18, a preferred window buck 520 is depicted beingformed by the assembly of a pair of identical first side members 522 and524 and a pair of identical second side members 526 and 528, the firstside members 522 and 524 have the same width 530 as well as the samelengths 532 and 534. The first side members 522 and 524 also have slotstructure 536 and 538 formed in their respective first ends 540 and 542.Of course, they also have tongue structures 544 and 546 formed in theirrespective second ends 548 and 550.

The pair of second side members 526 and 528 also have the same width 552which is the same as the width 530 of the pair of first side members 522and 524. The second side members also have the same lengths 554 and 556which may be the same as or different from the lengths 532 and 534. Thesecond side members 526 and 528 also have slot structures 558 and 560formed in their first ends 562 and 564 as well as tongue structures 566and 568 formed in their respective second ends 570 and 572.

With the first side members 522 and 524 and the second side members 526and 528 configured, as described, it can be seen that end-to-endassembly can be effected as depicted. End-to-end assembly results in thefully assembled window buck 520.

Because the first side members 522 and 524 are the same and because thesecond side members 526 and 528 are the same, the user need only havetwo stock piles or bins rather than four. That is, the user need haveonly a first stock pile or bin for first side members and a second stockpile or bin for second side members. An additional stock pile or bin maycontain third side members all of which are identical to each other sothat window bucks of different dimensions may easily be assembled usingeither the first side members or second side members with the third sidemembers.

FIG. 19 shows an assembled window buck 520 with a first brace 574positioned in the interior 576 defined by the first side members 522 and524 and the second side members 526 and 528. The first brace 574 has alength 578 which is essentially the same as the height of the interior576. The first brace 574 in place stiffens or strengthens the windowbuck 520 to inhibit collapse during assembly and to inhibit deformationduring installation and during formation of the associated wall.

A second brace 580 is also shown extending the width 582 of the interior576 to stiffen or strengthen the window buck 520 during installation andduring formation of the associated wall. A third brace 584 may also beprovided. The third brace 584 is sized the same as brace 580 and may bedesired to strengthen the window buck to assist in resisting twistingforces that may evolve during installation and during formation of theassociated wall. For example, cement may be poured unevenly and stressthe window buck 520 as the cement flows thereabout.

FIG. 19 also shows a shim 586 that may be placed between one interiorsurface 588 and the first brace 574. The first brace would necessarilybe shorter in length 578 to accommodate the thickness 590 of the shim586.

After formation of the wall in which the window buck 520 is placed, thestress or compression force on the first brace 574 may be quite high sothat the first brace may need to be removed by use of force. In sodoing, the surface 588 could become scratched or otherwise damaged. Theshim 586 limits or avoids such damage from the first brace 574. Ofcourse, a similar shim may be used for the other braces 580 and 584.

FIG. 19 also shows the fasteners 592 spaced about the perimeter of thewindow buck 520 for positioning through the exterior flanges, such asflanges 584, 586 (FIGS. 18), 588 and 590, of the side members 522, 524,526 and 528.

In FIG. 19, a carpenter's level 592 is shown to illustrate that in theprocess of assembling the window buck 520, a level 592 is useful toensure installation of the window buck 520 with a level or horizontalorientation of the interior surface 588 as well as a verticalorientation of the side members 526 and 528. Of course, a carpenter'ssquare 594 may be used in assembling the window buck 520 to ensure thecorners, such as corner 596, are truly square or normal.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 18 are preferred because they do notrequire use of a separate locking member to form the corners of arectilinear window buck or to connect the ends of a side member or sidemembers to form a desired window buck. Thus in use, a window buck ofdesired dimensions may be packaged to contain two female side membersand two male side members.

It should be recognized that the window buck of the present inventionprovides for simple transportation inasmuch as it need not bepre-assembled. Rather, it may be shipped disassembled with itscomponents shrink-wrapped together or otherwise packaged to contain thevarious side members with or without locking members. Upon arrival ofthe package at the construction site, the window buck components may beunpackaged and easily assembled at the time of installation. Damagewhile in storage and before use at the site is thereby minimized.Thereafter, the window buck may be easily placed in between the formsthat are then positioned to form the cement wall so that upon pouringthe cement wall, the window buck is in position to make further windowconstruction simple and easy.

1. A window buck for forming a window frame opening in a wall, saidwindow buck comprising: side member means assembled to define a windowframe opening, said side member means being formed to have: a perimeter,a width adapted to be substantially the width of a wall into which thewindow buck is to be placed, a substantially planar interior surfaceextending along said perimeter and having a width substantially the sameas said width of said wall, said interior surface having a first planarsurface and a second planar surface, said second planar surface beingsized and configured to receive a portion of a frame of a window, saidsecond planar surface spaced a distance below relative to said firstplanar surface, an interior flange connected to and extending away fromsaid interior surface, an exterior flange connected to and extendingaway from said interior surface, said exterior flange being spaced fromsaid interior flange a distance to receive said wall there between, aplurality of at least three side by side internal channels of, each ofsaid side by side internal channels being in a side by side relationshipand coaxial with having a common walls wall with an adjacent channel,and each of said side by side internal channels having said first planarsurface as another wall thereof, and each of said side by side internalchannels being hollow and extending along said perimeter, and a windowframe channel, said window frame channel having a common wall with atleast one of said side by side channels, said window frame channelhaving said second planar surface as another wall thereof, said windowframe channel being hollow and extending along said perimeter, aseparating wall formed from a portion of said side by side channelhaving a common wall with said window frame channel, said separatingwall having a length equal to said distance said second planar surfaceis located relative to said first planar surface, said separating wallbeing configured to abut a portion of said frame of said window, and afirst end and a second end spaced from said first end along saidperimeter, said first end and said second end being formed to abut oneanother at least two ends each formed to abut the other proximate theend of the other; and connector means fora locking member holding saidat least two endsfirst end and said second end in abutment to eachother, said connector means being a locking member having one a firstend sized and shaped for insertion into and engagement with any one ofsaid plurality of adjacent internal channels in one of said at least twoends at said first end and having another a second end sized and shapedfor insertion into and engagement with a corresponding any one of saidplurality of channels in the other of said at least two ends at saidsecond end.
 2. The window buck of claim 1, wherein said locking memberhas friction means proximate each of its ends and formed therewith tosaid first end and said second end for frictionally engage said selectedchannel engaging a channel of said plurality of channels in one saidfirst end of said side member means and the corresponding selectedchannel of said plurality of channels in the other said second end ofsaid side member means.
 3. The window buck of claim 1, wherein said sidemember means includes a plurality of separate sides side members, eachof which is formed to have two ends, both of which abut proximate oneend of another side member wherein each of said two ends of each of saidplurality of separate side members abuts an end of an adjacent sidemember of said plurality of separate side members, wherein each end ofeach of said plurality of separate side members is connected to an endof an adjacent side member by locking member to form said window buckand wherein each of said locking members has a first end sized andshaped for insertion into and engagement with any one of said pluralityof channels in one of said two ends of each of said plurality ofseparate side members and a second end sized and shaped for insertioninto and engagement with a corresponding any one of said plurality ofchannels at the other of said two ends of each of said plurality ofseparate side members.
 4. The A window buck of claim 1, wherein saidside member means is formed to define for forming a circular shapedperimeter window frame opening in a wall, said window buck comprising:arc shaped side member means assembled to define a window frame opening,said arc shaped side member means being formed to have: a perimeterdefining a circle, a width adapted to be substantially the width of awall into which the window buck is to be placed, a plurality of adjacentinternal channels, each of said adjacent internal channels having acommon wall with said adjacent channel, and each of said adjacentinternal channels being hollow and extending along said perimeter, and afirst end and a second end spaced from said first end along saidperimeter, said first end and said second end being formed to abut oneanother; and a locking member holding said first end and said second endin abutment to each other, said locking member having a first end sizedand shaped for insertion into and engagement with any one of saidplurality of adjacent internal channels at said first end and having asecond end sized and shaped for insertion into and engagement with acorresponding any one of said plurality of channels at said second end.5. The window buck of claim 2 3, wherein said side member means is fourseparate sides side members assembled to define a rectilinearly shapedwindow buck.
 6. A window buck for forming a window frame opening in awall, said window buck comprising: side member means for defining awindow frame opening, said side member means being formed to have: aperimeter for extending about the window frame opening, and an interiorsurface extending along said perimeter and having a width substantiallythe same as said width of said wall, said interior surface having afirst planar surface and a second planar surface, said second planarsurface being sized and configured to receive a portion of a frame of awindow, said second planar surface spaced a distance below relative tosaid first planar surface, an interior flange attached to and extendinginward from said interior surface, and an exterior flange spaced fromsaid interior flange with said wall there between, said exterior flangebeing attached to and extending inward from said interior surface, afirst end and a second end each having a plurality of at least threeside by side openings, said first end having a first plurality of atleast three side by side openings to a plurality of at least three sideby side internal channels, each of said side by side internal channelshaving a common wall with an adjacent channel, each of said side by sideinternal channels having said interior surface as another wall thereof,and each of said side by side internal channels being hollow andextending along said perimeter and said second end having a secondplurality of at least three side by side openings to a plurality of atleast three side by side internal channels, each of said side by sideinternal channels having a common wall with an adjacent channel, each ofsaid adjacent internal channels having said interior surface as anotherwall thereof, and each of said adjacent internal channels being hollowand extending along said perimeter; a window frame channel, said windowframe channel having a common wall with at least one of said side byside channels, said window frame channel having said second planarsurface as another wall thereof, said window frame channel being hollowand extending along said perimeter, a separating wall formed from aportion of said side by side channel having a common wall with saidwindow frame channel, said separating wall having a length equal to saiddistance said second planar surface is located relative to said firstplanar surface, said separating wall configured to abut a portion ofsaid frame of said window; and connector means formed for mechanicallyconnecting said first end and said second end, said connector meansbeing a locking member which has a first member sized and shaped forinsertion into and engagement with a selected one of said firstplurality of openings in said first end and which has a second membersized and shaped for insertion into and engagement with a correspondingselected one of said second plurality of openings in said second end. 7.The window buck of claim 6, wherein said side member means includes aplurality of channels each of which is hollow and each of which is incommunication with a said opening.
 8. The window buck of claim 7 6,wherein said first member has first friction means associated therewithfor frictionally engaging said selected one of said first plurality ofopenings, and said second member has second friction means associatedtherewith for frictionally engaging said selected one of said secondplurality of openings.
 9. The window buck of claim 8, wherein said firstmember and said second member of said locking member are unitarilyformed and oriented at a right angle relative to each other.
 10. Thewindow buck of claim 8, wherein said side member means includes a firstside member having a first end and a second end, and a second sidemember having a first end and a second end, and wherein said first endof both said first side member and said second side member and thesecond end of both said first side member andsaid second side member areformed to abut each other and wherein said first end of said first sidemember and said second end of said second side member are connected toone another by a locking member.
 11. The window buck of claim 10,wherein said first member is oriented to be normal relative to saidsecond member.
 12. The window buck of claim 11, wherein said first sidemember and said second side member both have a width and a longitudinalaxis, and wherein said first end of both said first side member and saidsecond end of said second side member are terminate at an angle of about45 degrees transverse to the said longitudinal axis.
 13. The window buckof claim 7 6 wherein said side member means includes four sides, each ofwhich four sides is formed to have a said first end and a said secondend, said first end and said second end of each of said four sides beingassembled with a locking member for connecting the first end of one tothe second end of another of each of said four sides, and wherein saidfour sides when assembled with a first end of one connecting to thesecond end of another define a window frame opening which is multi-sidedin projection a first side member, a second side member, a third sidemember and a fourth side member, each of said side members having afirst end and a second end, and a plurality of at least four lockingmembers for connecting the ends of adjacent side members together so asto form said side member means, and wherein said second end of saidfirst side member is connected to and abuts said first end of saidsecond side member, said second end of said second side member isconnected to and abuts said first end of said third side member, saidsecond end of said third side member is connected to and abuts saidfirst end of said fourth side member and said second end of said fourthside member is connected to and abuts said first end of said first sidemember.
 14. The window buck of claim 13, wherein said window frame isrectangular in projection.
 15. The window buck of claim 13 6, whereinsaid interior flange and said exterior flange are spaced apart andformed to receive fluidized cement concrete thereinbetween.
 16. Thewindow buck of claim 13, wherein said interior flange and said exteriorflange each have a distal edge have a bead portion each oriented towardthe other has a distal edge with a bead portion mounted thereon andoriented toward said exterior flange and wherein said exterior flangehas a distal edge with a bead portion mounted thereon and orientedtoward said interior flange.
 17. The window buck of claim 7 6, whereinsaid side member means is formed to define a non-rectangular shapedperimeter when assembled with said first end abutting said second end.18. A window buck for forming a window frame opening in a wall having aninterior surface, said window buck comprising: side member meansassembled to define a window frame opening, said side member means beingformed to have: a perimeter, a width adapted to be substantially thewidth of a wall into which the window buck is to be placed, a pluralityof at least three internal channels each side by side and hollow andextending along said perimeter, a substantially planar interior surfacefacing toward said window opening, said interior surface extending alongsaid perimeter and having a width substantially the same as said widthof said wall, said interior surface having a first planar surface and asecond planar surface, said second planar surface being sized andconfigured to receive a portion of a frame of a window, said secondplanar surface spaced a distance below relative to said first planarsurface, an interior surface facing toward said window opening flangeattached to and extending away from said interior surface and adapted toextend along the interior surface of said wall, an interior exteriorflange attached to and extending away from said interior surface andadapted to extend along the interior surface exterior of said wall, anda window frame channel, said window frame channel having a common wallwith at least one of said internal channels, said window frame channelhaving said second planar surface as another wall thereof, said windowframe channel being hollow and extending along said perimeter, aseparating wall having a surface that is contiguous with said firstplanar surface and said second planar interior surface, said separatingwall being formed from a portion of said internal channel having acommon wall with said window frame channel, said separating wall havinga length equal to said distance said second planar interior surface islocated relative said first planar interior surface, and said separatingwall being configured to abut a portion of said frame of said window;and at least two ends each formed to abut the other proximate the end ofthe other; and connector means for holding said at least two ends inabutment to each other.
 19. The window buck of claim 18, wherein saidinterior flange is joined to said interior surface.
 20. The window buckof claim 19, wherein said wall has an exterior surface spaced from saidinterior surface, wherein an exterior flange extends away from saidinterior surface and is adapted to extend substantially along theexterior surface of said wall.
 21. The window buck of claim 20, whereinsaid exterior flange is joined to said interior surface.
 22. The windowbuck of claim 21 18, wherein said exterior flange is sized to extendaway a distance selected so that fasteners may be positionedtherethrough to secure said side member in a desired location.
 23. Thewindow buck of claim 22, wherein said exterior flange and said interiorflange are formed to receive cement thereinbetween.
 24. The window buckof claim 23, wherein said exterior flange and said interior flange havea node adapted for attachment to a cement wall.
 25. A window buck forforming a window frame opening in a wall, said window buck comprising:side member means assembled to define a window frame opening, said sidemember means being formed to have: a perimeter, a width adapted to besubstantially the width of a wall into in which the window buck is to beplaced positioned, a substantially planar interior surface extendingalong said perimeter and having a width substantially the same as saidwidth of said wall, said interior surface having a first planar surfaceand a second planar surface, said second planar surface being sized andconfigured to receive a portion of a frame of a window, said secondplanar surface spaced a distance below relative said first interiorplanar surface, an interior flange connected to and extending away fromsaid interior surface, an exterior flange connected to and extendingaway from said interior surface, said exterior flange being spaced fromsaid interior flange a distance to receive said wall there between, aplurality of internal channels of substantially the same size in crosssection, each of said channels being coaxial and, each of said internalchannels being aligned in a row with each of said channels being hollowand extending along said perimeter, each of said internal channelshaving said first planar surface as a wall thereof, and at least twoends each formed to abut the other proximate the end of the other; and alocking member for holding said at least two ends in abutment to eachother, said locking member having one end sized and shaped for insertioninto and engagement with any one of and each of said plurality ofchannels in one of said at least two ends and having another end sizedand shaped for insertion into and engagement with a corresponding anyone of and each of said plurality channels in the other of said at leasttwo ends.
 26. A window buck for use in forming a window frame opening ina wall to be formed with an interior wall surface and an exterior wallsurface spaced from said interior wall surface, said wall to be formedfrom fluidized concrete or the like, said window buck comprising: sidemember means assembled to define a window frame opening in said wall,said side member means having: a perimeter adapted to be substantiallythe perimeter of said window frame opening, a width adapted to besubstantially the width of said wall, an inner surface facing inwardtoward said window frame opening, an outer surface spaced from saidinner surface and facing away from said window frame opening, aplurality of internal channels positioned between and joined both tosaid inner surface and to said outer surface, said internal channelsbeing hollow, arranged in a side by side relationship and extendingalong said perimeter, an interior flange joined to and extending awayfrom said outer surface, said interior flange being adaptable forpositioning along the interior wall surface, said interior flange havinga member extending therefrom and adaptable for engagement with saidwall, and a first end and a second end spaced from said first end alongsaid perimeter, said first end and said second end being formed to abutone another; and connector means holding said first end and said secondend in abutment to each other, said connector means being a lockingmember having a first end sized and shaped for insertion into andengagement with any one of said plurality of channels at said first endand having a second end sized and shaped for insertion into andengagement with a corresponding any one of said plurality channels atsaid second end.
 27. The window buck of claim 26, wherein said interiorflange and said exterior flange are positioned to receive fluidizedconcrete or the like thereinbetween.